A semi-truck accident can be devastating for someone in a passenger vehicle. While the average car weighs around 4,000 to 5,000 pounds, a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The disparity in size and weight significantly increases the risk of severe injuries in a collision.
To stay safe on the road, it’s important to know how to drive carefully around these large vehicles. Here are some tips to reduce the chances of an accident.
Understand the blind spots
Semi-trucks have large blind spots on all four sides, particularly at the rear corners of the trailer. If you linger in these areas, the truck driver may not see your vehicle. This creates a high risk of a collision if the truck changes lanes or makes a turn. Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots and pass quickly when it’s safe to do so.
Consider stopping distances
Semi-trucks take roughly twice as long to stop as passenger vehicles. Accidents often occur when drivers merge in front of a truck and then suddenly brake for a red light. The truck driver may not have enough distance to stop, leading to a rear-end collision. Always allow extra space when merging in front of a semi-truck.
Watch for left turns
Some accidents happen when a semi-truck turns left in front of oncoming traffic. These crashes can result in underride accidents, where a smaller vehicle becomes wedged under the truck’s trailer. Such accidents are extremely dangerous and often result in severe head and chest injuries. Be cautious and give trucks extra room when they’re making wide turns.
Driving safely around trucks
While these tips can help you reduce the risk of a crash, accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured in a collision with a semi-truck, take the time to explore your legal options.
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